Commonly asked Questions about Carrying

More Benefits of Carrying

Commonly asked Questions about Carrying

What is carrying?
Carrying is the act of holding a baby close to your body for an extended period of time. It can be done using the arms or a carrying aid such as a baby sling.

What is a baby sling?
A baby sling is a long cloth that wraps around both the baby and the adult. It hugs the baby close to your body and frees your hands for other things. Slings are cut diagonally or maximum support and flexibility.

Won’t carrying hurt my back?
No. When wrapped correctly, the baby sling distributes the baby’s weight throughout your torso. Your muscles strengthen as the baby grows, just as they would when increasing weights while weightlifting at the gym.

Is carrying healthy for the baby?
Yes. Research shows that carried babies have increased brain development, cardiac output and circulation; improved digestion, muscle development and motor skills; and lower levels of stress hormones.

Are there any benefits for the carrier?
Carrying reduces the likelihood of postpartum depression. It’s also an optimal way to promote attachment between baby and the carrier, whether that is mother, father, or even an older sibling, grandparent or other caregiver. Parents can continue many activities when carrying the baby: cooking, cleaning, caring for older children, Nordic Walking, museum trips, Fasnacht, and much, much more.

Isn’t it difficult?
No. Many parents carry their babies anyway. Using the sling reduces strain to the arms and back. Learning to properly tie the cloth is similar to tying your shoes, just a different knot that can be quickly learned. Most people have no difficulty after tying the cloth a few times.

I can't possibly carry baby and groceries.
Put the groceries in the stroller and carry the baby.

We need so many baby items; a sling is just too expensive.
Many parents find that their babies are calmest when carried and carry their baby's most of the time anyway, especially in the first 6 months. Many parents are choosing to buy a sling instead of a baby stroller. You can buy a stroller when the baby can sit or you may find that you and baby like the sling so much that you don't even need a stroller.

Won’t it spoil the baby?
No. Research has shown that children who have extended physical contact with a caregiver are more secure and have higher self-esteem. It has also been shown that carried babies are less clingy, less whiny and initiate separation earlier than babies who are held less.

Is it really practical?
Yes. Sling carrying leaves your hands free for your daily work. You don’t have to stop your work to push a stroller or bounce the baby. You can carry the baby in the grocery store, on public transportation and in the forest, all without the hassle of a baby buggy. You can also use the sling as a tent, a sun shade, a changing mat, towel or blanket.

How old should the baby be?
Unlike most other structured baby carriers, babies can go in a cloth sling from the day they are born. Using an appropriate tie to suit their age, the head, neck, back and hips of the baby can be supported in such a way to help their physical development. Babies with hip dislocation can also benefit. It has been shown that premature babies also benefit from being carried in this way, and slings are widely used in neonatal units as part of kangaroo care.

What about toddlers?
Not just for babies! The sturdier the sling the more weight you can comfortably hold. People give young children piggy back rides all the time; why not do it with a sling and save some of your energy.

More Benefits of Carrying

Research shows that baby wearing…

- promotes good digestion, thereby reducing colic & reflux.

- reduces crying & fussiness up to 51%.

- provides a rich learning environment.

- stimulates synapses development in the brain, thereby expanding baby’s learning potential.

- decreases stress hormones in baby’s blood stream.

- offers a sense of security, which is vital for self-esteem.

- develops muscles need for sitting, standing and walking.

- stimulates the vestibular system needed for balance.

- helps parents respond quicker to baby’s non-crying signals thereby enhancing feelings of competence.

Babywearing allows babies to be at the center of attention, not the center of attention. Children love being part of life. Baby slings allow you to hold them close when in crowds, safe from burning cigarettes and barking dogs. Slings provide the security for children to explore the world at their own pace. They will let you know when they want in and when they want out.

Babywearing is convenient, healthy, safe, fun and economical.